The Buildbase Bees were widely expected to make at least one change after reaching the cut-off for new averages, but all the speculation pointed to them using the extra scope to bolster their middle-order by releasing reserve Filip Sitera and signing a rider around the six-point mark.

In fact they have taken action at both ends of the team with long-serving Rory Schlein the other man to be released along with Sitera, although Schlein has immediately found alternative employment at Peterborough.

However, the Bees and the Panthers were both yesterday awaiting clearance for their re-declarations with, not for the first time, the wording of the rulebook being called into question.

As far as the clubs are concerned, they have swapped Schlein and Bridger before their new averages become effective tomorrow, with Bees then making a further declaration when the figures for Bridger, Edward Kennett and Ben Baker drop which generates the space to introduce Kasprzak – and all of that activity, allied to Peterborough’s own moves, is perfectly in accordance with the regulations.

Kasprzak, who the Bees have negotiated an option to buy from Poole should the move be a success, was mysteriously axed by Lakeside earlier in the season even though he had increased his average, and he is set to form a powerful top two with skipper Chris Harris.

Bridger’s arrival is a rare example this year of the cards falling in Bees’ favour as, after a nightmare start to the season, the Panthers took the decision to replace him but had to do so before his average crashes to 4.24 tomorrow in order to bring in a rider of Schlein’s calibre.

But Bees can take advantage of that low average from a rider who started the season at just under seven and whose loss of form has been inexplicable – with the 20-year-old now set to team up again with his former Eastbourne colleague Edward Kennett.

Manager Alun Rossiter admits he has sympathy for Schlein, who makes way for the second time in a mid-season re-shuffle as in 2008, but he feels all parties will benefit from the transfer merry-go-round.

He said: “Rory has been a good servant to Coventry for several years and in many ways he’s unfortunate because he has been riding well recently, but I just feel it’s the right time for a change, both for him and for us. There have been no fall-outs, it’s just the way we decided to go and I’m pleased he is fixed up straight away.

“With Krzys we are bringing in a proven top-line rider, he’s a good gater and he’s strong on all kinds of tracks which is something I feel we’ve lacked. He’s also one of the Poles who has been very committed to racing in the UK, and he was very keen to join us.

“I also feel that bringing him in can only help Bomber (Harris). We’ll be able to put Krzys out in Heat one and it will give Chris good support at the top of the team and take the pressure off him a bit, because I know how tough it is for him .

“I don’t really know why Lewis has struggled this year at Peterborough, but we know he has the ability from the titles he’s won in the past and what his average was a couple of months ago. It’s my job to get him back to that level.

“I do hope that Filip is able to get fixed up in the Premier League because he’s a smashing lad and he’s had a lot of bad luck recently. I’ve had to take him out of rides but he never complains, he can gate and he would be a good asset on his average in the Premier League.

“Overall I’m excited about the changes and I do feel that the top four isn’t out of our reach. Poole are miles clear but none of the other teams have been particularly consistent, so if we can get on a good run with this line-up we can still put ourselves back in the picture.”

Subject to clearance, both Kasprzak and Bridger are set to make their debuts at Ipswich tomorrow, with Bees set to gain further as Przemyslaw Pawlicki will now drop to reserve – although the full line-up will not be unleashed just yet as changes will be required in that reserve department this week due to the World Under-21 Team Cup.